With the formation of a new government in Islamabad, focus is again on India Pakistan ties. The relationship has gone through tumultuous times off late and examining the impact of new government formation in Pakistan is important while preparing for the bilateral relationship between the two countries for IR portion of GS2

Key demand of the question

The first part of the question expects us to explain the impact of domestic politics on India Pakistan relationship. Your answer can be substantiated with illustrations. In the next part, the focus is on explaining how the dynamics of civil military relationship has changed in Pakistan with the formation of the new government and how will this impact bilateral relationship.

Directive word

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Highlight the changes taking place in internal politics of Pakistan, and mention that this is likely to have an impact on India Pakistan relationship.

Body

Mention that foreign policy is shaped by the internal needs of the country and projection of internal policies. Differences in states capabilities to act are constrained by the characteristics of states, or national attributes. The domestic constraints and challenges add much more complexity and unpredictability to the foreign policy process. Discuss in brief the impact of societal, cultural, economic, political factors on foreign policy with examples

Examine how the government change in Pakistan will affect civil military relationship there and the impact it is likely to have on its relations with India. Discuss the statements and views proposed by leaders from both countries and whether it portends a calm future. In addition, also discuss the structural and security constraints that limit any hopes of a drastic progress in relationship.

Conclusion – Give your view on the progress of bilateral relations and way forward.

Topic– Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

The government has recently put a ban on the retail sale and private manufacture of oxytocin due to the misuse of the drug. However, oxytocin is an common and a useful drug. It is important to analyze the effect of this move and discuss its desirability.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to discuss in detail about the recent ban on oxytocin drug and form an opinion on why outright ban of drugs is not the solution to the health issues of the country.

Directive word

Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – write a few lines about the recent restrictions on the manufacture of Oxytocin formulations for domestic use to public sector only and ban on import of oxytocin.

Body-

Discuss the reason behind the ban. E.g misuse in dairy industry, agriculture and possible links with cancer and other health related effects on long term use etc.

Discuss why the ban is not a right move. E.g discuss its use in maternal care and need to improve the same; shortages and price hikes; more incentive for illegal production etc.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.

Topic – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

The article brings up a seldom discussed issue, nonetheless critical, of access to data, principles governing the same, the inadequacy of legal cooperation agreements and the impact of legislations such as CLOUD Act on Indian law enforcement agencies. Considering that Srikrishna committee recommendations talks in detail about aforementioned issues, the question is important for mains.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to explain how legislations like CLOUD Act can turn out to be of huge help to the law enforcement agencies around the world including India. Discuss the inadequacy which has been resolved with the passage of this Act. thereafter, we need to discuss the provisions related to storage of data domestically from the draft Bill. Analyze why it is right in intent, buy falls woefully short on details.

Directive word

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .

Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention what do you mean by data localisation, why is it of concern and emphasize on the fact that in digital age, data is the new oil.

Body

Explain what CLOUD Act is. Explain the problem that the Act resolves. Discuss how it can positively impact the working of Indian law enforcement agencies.

Discuss the provision of draft Bill with respect to localization of data. Examine why is it a good thing. Thereafter, bring out what procedural safeguards, if any, are built in the draft Bill. Discuss the challenges highlighted by the Committee itself in its report.

Conclusion – Give your view on the effectiveness of the provisions in draft Data Protection Bill related to data access and how can it be improved.

General Studies – 3

Topic-Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

E-commerce has grown at a very rapid rate in recent years and events like takeover of flipkart by Walmart, have raised the need of an official policy on the sector. The draft e-commerce policy is a welcome step in this direction but it also raises several issues.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to look into the draft e-commerce policy and write in detail as to why it is a welcome step. It then wants us to write in detail as to how it imposes the license-raj like restrictions.

Directive word

Analyze- Here we have to dig deep into the issue and identify and discuss about all the related and important aspects and correlate them to satisfy the key demand of the question.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – write a few lines about the rapid growth of e-commerce in the country although it still forms less than 5% of retail market etc.

Body–

Discuss the salient provisions of the draft policy and bring out its positive points. E.g brought out at an opportune time given the estimated growth of the sector and growing foreign presence; deep discounts countered to provide a level playing field ; DATA LOCALISATION MEASURES; India First measures; measures to support MSMEs.

Discuss the limitations/ pitfalls of the draft policy. E.g an overarching single regulator looking into diverse aspects; restrictive measures like sunset clause on discounts; could drive away those planning online retail forays and the opportunity to create jobs and benefit consumers would be lost etc.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.

Topic– Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Data protection is essential to protect the growing number of netizens’ privacy, their right to life. In this direction a committee was formed in 2017 which has presented a report with important findings.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to write in detail about the principles behind the data protection framework as proposed by the given committee. It also wants us to discuss why it is important to define personal data in this connection.

Directive word

Discuss- This s an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – write a few lines about the growing privacy concerns, their scale and extent, growing no. of netizens which warrant a comprehensive data protection framework in the country.

Body-

Briefly introduce the committee- Chair: Justice B. N. Srikrishna; and Discuss the principles as proposed by the committee. E.g (i) law should be flexible to take into account changing technologies, (ii) law must apply to both government and private sector entities, (iii) consent should be genuine, informed, and meaningful, (iv) processing of data should be minimal and only for the purpose for which it is sought, (v) entities controlling the data should be accountable for any data processing, (vi) enforcement of the data protection framework should be by a high-powered statutory authority, and (vii) penalties should be adequate to discourage any wrongful acts.

Discuss why it is important to define personal data. Use the help of the information given by the report to form your answer.

Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion.

General Studies – 4

Topic– Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators.

The question wants us to bring out the meaning of the quotation as understood. It wants us to write in detail about the meaning and role of attitude in our life, and why it is important

Directive word

Discuss- Discuss- This s an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– define attitude. E.g attitude refers to an individual’s mental state, which is based on his/her beliefs or value system, emotions, and the tendency to act in a certain way. One’s attitude reflects how one thinks, feels, and behaves in a given situation.

Body-

Discuss the meaning and role of attitude in detail in order to bring out its importance for us and our life. E.g our response to people, places, things, or events; determines the choices that we make; so virtually covers the whole gamut of our personality, our worth and our life etc.

Briefly discuss the three components of attitude and give a real life example which illustrates the role of attitude.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.